142 The Prophet neither astonied with fear, nor carried away with anger, nor forced by desperation, would kill Saul: but with a quiet mind directed his earnest prayer to God, who did preserve him.

A Psalm of David, to give instruction, and a prayer when he was in the cave.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice: with my voice I [a]prayed unto the Lord.

I poured out my meditation before him, and declared mine affection in his presence.

Though my spirit [b]was in perplexity in me, yet thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me.

I looked upon my right hand, and beheld, but there was none that would know me: all refuge failed me, and [c]none cared for my soul.

Then cried I unto thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art mine [d]hope, and my portion in the land of the living.

Hearken unto my cry, for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

Bring my soul out of [e]prison, that I may praise thy Name: then shall the righteous [f]come about me, when thou art beneficial unto me.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 142:1 David’s patience and instant prayer to God condemneth their wicked rage, which in their troubles either despair and murmur against God, or else seek to others than to God, to have redress in their miseries.
  2. Psalm 142:3 Hebrew, was folden or wrapped in me: meaning, as a thing that could have no issue.
  3. Psalm 142:4 Or, sought for myself.
  4. Psalm 142:5 Though all means failed him, yet he knew that God would never forsake him.
  5. Psalm 142:7 For he was on all sides beset with his enemies, as though he had been in a most straight prison.
  6. Psalm 142:7 Either to rejoice at my wonderful deliverance, or to set a crown upon mine head.

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